Abstract: A vehicle monitoring device includes a camera or other optical sensor configured to be disposed at a trailing end of a first vehicle system. The camera or other optical sensor is configured to output one or more images or video of a field of view behind the first vehicle system. The monitoring device also includes a controller configured to receive output from one or more sensors and to activate the camera or other optical sensor to output the one or more images or video based on the output from the one or more sensors. The output from the one or more sensors indicates one or more of a change in movement of the first vehicle system, a temperature, an acoustic sound, or movement of a second vehicle system.

Abstract: A method is provided that can include activating at least two wireless communication channels in parallel, between a first wireless transceiver and a second wireless transceiver. Each of the at least two wireless communication channels can operate at a different radio carrier frequency, and the first wireless transceiver may be part of a first vehicle. The method can also include transmitting, by the first wireless transceiver, common information in parallel on the at least two wireless communication channels to the second wireless transceiver and deactivating the at least two wireless communication channels.

Abstract: A control apparatus is provided for a hydrostatic transmission to simulate a gear drive on a tractor. The hydrostatic transmission has a swashplate that is angularly movable to a plurality of positions, and a proportional valve that provides a control pressure to a servo piston to control the hydrostatic transmission swashplate position. A transmission control lever may be moved to a plurality of positions, each position providing a different voltage signal to a microcontroller. The microcontroller receives and converts a voltage signal to a coil current to actuate the proportional valve.

Abstract: A hydrostatic transmission on a tractor is operated by a microcontroller providing current commands to the hydrostatic transmission pump, and manual controls that provide signals to the microcontroller so the current commands cause the hydrostatic transmission to operate in either a first mode or a second mode. In the first or automatic mode the swash plate position may be continuously variable based on the position of a foot pedal. In the second or gear mode the swash plate may be moved to any of a plurality of discrete positions based on the position of a manually operable switch.

Abstract: A throttle potentiometer adapter provides a direct connection between a pivot nut on a hand throttle linkage and the internal sleeve of a potentiometer. The potentiometer provides a voltage output to an electronic controller, the voltage output corresponding to the position of the hand throttle. The adapter is of one-piece construction and includes a socket engaging the pivot nut and a shaft extending into the internal sleeve.